WCDR AGM looks back at nearly disaster-free year

WEST CARLETON – West Carleton’s volunteer disaster response organization will host its annual general meeting on Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Carp Mess Hall (2240 Craig Side Rd.).

“The meeting is a great opportunity to get to know about West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) and how it has and will assist residents who are affected by disasters in West Carleton,” WCDR chair, Carp’s Hanns Baader said. “Hardly a year passes without an event calling upon our resources and the more people know about our work the better we are able to serve.”

At the meeting WCDR will be reviewing the year’s activities; voting on board positions; smf hear reports from the treasurer and the committees. 

WCDR is composed of volunteers from across West Carleton, including many from the area’s community associations, and they have assisted residents after the Kinburn/Dunrobin Tornado, two Ottawa River floods, the pandemic, power/Internet outages and last summer’s violent wind storm. They rely on volunteers and donations from local residents and businesses.

This year’s AGM will have a guest speaker. Andrea Ross will be speaking about her experience after this past spring’s Derecho windstorm, and her work assembling a solar power system that will ensure her family will be less vulnerable to loss of power in the future. 

Ross is an engineer in high-tech and did extensive research. Her system now provides sufficient power to run several household appliances (e.g. fridge, freezer, washing machine, etc.). Ross will speak about important aspects of home solar installations including the components, what they can power, facts about permits and your insurance, professional services required, costs and how residents can go about building a solar power system.

“Aside from gaining some useful information, the AGM is a good time to meet the board and if you feel you can help with our activities, volunteer with WCDR,” co-chair Constance Bay’s Heather Lucente said. “It’s very rewarding and there is real joy in knowing you are ready to help your neighbours in the case they are affected by severe weather or some other natural disaster.”

The Mess Hall is at 2240 Craig Side Road behind the Diefenbunker.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the general public is welcome and encouraged to attend. 

As to masking, WCDR will follow OPH guidelines in effect at the time of the AGM, and given current recommendations, the meeting facilities will be set up with physical distancing. OPH recommends but does not mandate the wearing of masks.  

“We recognize each individual’s decision with the expectation that everyone will do the same given that there will be vulnerable people in attendance,” the WCDR said.

You can contact WCDR at info@westcarletonrelief.ca.